Karen Sue Calton, 79, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, in Columbia Missouri.
She was born July 2, 1947, in Lebanon, Missouri to Homer and Helen (Anglen) Watson.
On July 31, 1973, she was united in marriage to Pat Wayne Calton.
Those preceding her in death include her parents; her husband, Pat Calton, on November 20, 2016; one sister, Debbie Ragland and her husband Billy; and brother-in-law, Ray Dye.
After graduating from Lebanon High School with the class of 1964, Karen attended and graduated from Cosmetology School. She was a respected beautician for many years at Milady Beauty Salon, along side the owner, who happened to be her best friend, Norma Roach. She was an avid shopper and enjoyed afternoons spent in “retail therapy,’’ with family and friends, especially her granddaughters. She was the family caretaker. She was also the shuttle bus and transportation driver for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure they got to and from school and to their various activities. She loved her family deeply and they knew it. They were her greatest accomplishment and brought her the greatest joy.
She was a founding member of Greenhills Freewill Baptist Church, where she attended faithfully for many years, as long as her health allowed.
Karen is survived by two children, Shellie Ruble and her husband LanDen of Lebanon, Missouri and Chris Calton and his wife Shawna of Osage Beach, Missouri; one sister, Donna Dye of Columbia, Missouri; five grandchildren, Kennedy Lane and her husband Spencer, Justice Miller and her husband Zach, Karrigan Krantz and her husband Jacob, Cash Calton and his wife Jenna and Lexen Ruble; three great-grandchildren, Karter Smith, Kellen Miller and Bradley Lane; nephew, Jamie Ragland; great-nephew, Oakley Ragland, both of Lebanon, Missouri; her best-friend and neighbor, Norma Roach, also of Lebanon, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Karen Sue Calton will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with Mike Hutsell officiating. Burial will be in Dotson Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 until service time, also on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.
Memorials have been suggested to Dotson Cemetery. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
